From working in parks to sleeping in the park

In October 2022, Peter’s life took an unexpected turn. His long-term relationship ended, and his partner left his belongings in a park. Peter worked for Southend Council’s Parks department and at the same time, cutbacks at work led to redundancy. Virtually overnight, Peter was homeless and unemployed.

Peter says: “I was devastated and felt completely helpless. With nowhere permanent to go, I initially stayed with my brother, but he was taken into hospital, and I was forced to sleep rough.”

Peter spent several nights in the same park where his belongings had been dumped, considering options such as sleeping in a shipping container.

HARP was there to help

Fortunately, HARP’s street navigators came across Peter, stepping in with help, support, and advice. They helped him find some temporary accommodation.

Like everyone who comes to HARP, Peter was allocated a support worker, Lily, who played a crucial role in helping him through this difficult period. Having worked all his life, Peter hadn’t relied on benefits before, so Lily assisted him with getting help, ensuring he received the unemployment benefits and housing support he was entitled to. Peter has several medical issues that limited his ability for certain types of work, making it challenging to return to employment.

Gardening supported his recovery

Determined to stay active and avoid falling into inactivity or self pity, Peter got involved in HARP’s gardening project.  This not only gave him purpose but also kept him engaged with others.

“I didn’t want to fall into bad habits – sleeping late, staying in bed all day, watching TV. I needed a reason to get up, even if it was just to go for a walk.”

Getting back into work

Months later, Peter found a part-time job through an employment agency. He loved being outside, engaging with the public, and gradually rebuilding his life. From this role, he began picking up private gardening jobs. Three years later, he still maintains those jobs, finding fulfillment in working with plants and people alike!

“I’ve gone from having no work to maintaining multiple gardens. The support I received along the way made a huge difference, and it’s led me to where I am now.”

Giving back to HARP

Alongside his work, Peter volunteers with HARP on a regular basis. Inspired by his experiences, he wanted to give back. “I got so much from HARP’s support – I don’t know where I’d be without them – so I still wanted to stay involved.”

Volunteering has become a way for Peter to help others who are in the same position he once was.

“It’s about giving back. Seeing people go through what I’ve been through… Maybe I can help them, show them there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”

Volunteering also gives Peter a renewed sense of purpose. He found that doing good for others helped him feel better about himself.

“It’s nice to be nice. When you do good, you feel good.”

Hopes for the future

Peter now lives in permanent accommodation, “Having a settled base gives you direction. Without stability, it’s hard to know where you’re going. Moving forward I’d love a bigger property that I can really make my own and where my kids can visit, particularly my youngest.

“I want him to have somewhere he can come see Dad, sit down, have a meal, watch telly – just be together.”

Despite a difficult time, Peter remains hopeful. His goal is to establish long-term stability and possibly start his own private gardening business.

“Gardening is a great analogy for life – you nurture things, help them grow, and stay engaged. The same applies to building a stable future.”

“The journey isn’t easy, but it can be an opportunity for a reset. A crisis can also be a chance for growth. Change your circle to change your cycle. The support is there – you just have to engage with it.”